First meeting of committee under Makkah Accord begins in Istanbul

Published: 08:58 AM, 31 Aug, 2026
Pakistan
First meeting of committee under Makkah Accord begins in Istanbul
Caption: Video grab

The first meeting of the Strategic Political and Defence Committee formed under the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement began in Istanbul on Monday, bringing together senior leaders from Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye to discuss regional and global security, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

According to Turkish news agency Anadolu, the three countries seek to strengthen collective deterrence amid growing regional, global security challenges. The meeting is expected to set roadmap for future cooperation and establish mechanisms to coordinate implementation of the agreement.
The meeting also focuses on strengthening the defence capabilities of the three countries and enhancing cooperation in response to evolving security challenges.

Senior representatives from Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye are participating in the inaugural committee meeting. Pakistan is being represented by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and COAS and CDF Field Marshal Asim Munir.

Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman, who led the Kingdom’s delegation, was accompanied by Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and other senior military officials.

Discussions were expected to cover enhancing defence capabilities, greater interoperability among the armed forces and deepening cooperation in the defence industry, including joint production and development.

The Makkah Joint Defence Agreement which was signed earlier this month commits the three countries to mutual defence in the event of any of them being attacked.

Pakistan, Türkiye and Saudi Arabia signed the MJDA in Makkah earlier this month. The pact stipulates that an attack on one country will be considered an attack against all three, as regional tensions surge amid the United States (US) and Iran war.

“Pakistan will be represented at the meeting by Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Federal Minister for Defence Khawaja Muhammad Asif and the Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defenfe Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir,” the Foreign Ministry said. 

The meeting will also be attended by foreign and defence ministers, as well as chiefs of general staff of Türkiye and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, it added. 

“Pakistan’s participation in the meeting signifies Islamabad’s historic bonds of friendship with the brotherly countries of Türkiye and Saudi Arabia, as well as its desire for lasting regional peace and stability,” the Foreign Ministry said. 

Pakistan’s state media and the military’s media wing issued statements earlier announcing Dar and Munir had arrived in Türkiye. Dar met Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Pakistani foreign ministry said, to review bilateral ties and discuss cooperation in the political, economic, security and cultural domains.

According to Turkish state-run Anadolu Agency, the Strategic Political and Defence Committee was envisaged to provide strategic direction for activities to be carried out under the trilateral pact.

“The meeting is expected to address international security issues, as well as efforts to develop defence capabilities and promote greater interoperability among the armed forces of the three countries,” Anadolu news agency reported. 

It said the three states are also expected to discuss deepening defence industry cooperation, including joint production and research and development, as well as strengthening joint counterterrorism efforts.

Pakistan has repeatedly clarified that the trilateral pact is defensive in nature and not against any country. It has also said that other states can also join the pact provided they are willing to uphold its fundamental principles. 

Reporter Anwer Abbas/Agencies

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